More than just a destination for classical concerts and performance art, Victoria Concert Hall has become a meeting point for gourmands to embark on a culinary voyage that transports them back in time to the grandeur of big room dining. Here is where you’ll find Brasserie Astoria, a convivial dining concept by the illustrious Frantzén Group, which also owns the three-Michelin-starred restaurants Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore.
Conceived by chef-owner Björn Frantzén, Brasserie Astoria ventures beyond the Swedish borders for the first time, mirroring the elegance of its Stockholm flagship housed within the historic Astoria Cinema building dating back to the 1870s. Painstakingly restored to its former glory, the flagship stands as a testament to rich history, refined design, and unmatched hospitality, making it a coveted dining destination for locals and tourists alike.
Frantzén found a similar vibe in Victoria Concert Hall, which led to him opening his second branch here. Poised to redefine the brasserie experience in Singapore, Brasserie Astoria is set to bring back the spirit of grand dining halls with flambé trolleys and tableside service, amped up with high energy supplied by an infectious playlist of curated by Frantzén and DNA director Stefan Gissberg.
“Following the success of Zén, we are excited to bring the more casual and accessible Brasserie Astoria to Singapore’s incredible dining scene. We are looking forward to unveiling another facet of the Frantzén Group’s culinary creativity to this food-loving city,” says Frantzén.
Step inside and immerse yourself in a world of opulence, where the building’s neoclassical details — tall Corinthian columns, mouldings of festoons and other beautiful plaster details — set the foundation for the restaurant’s luxe allure. The vibe is very Manhattan chic, with modern chandeliers, a neutral palette, gilded accents and plenty of tongue-in-cheek art.
The whole space houses 100 seats, a private dining room for 10, and a bar and lounge that seats 22 people. The best places to see and be seen are the booth seats in the epicentre of the dining hall, which are cleverly demarcated by chic see-through curtains.
Unlike Zén, Brasserie Astoria’s dining concept is more casual and accessible, centred around conviviality and sharing plates. Here, flavours from across the globe converge with an unmistakable Swedish touch. A glance at the extensive à la carte menu, skilfully crafted by Singaporean head chef Emil Cecil Ess, who is a Zén alumnus, promises an array of delights.
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Savour the Råraka, a Swedish masterpiece akin to rösti, featuring Agria potatoes crisped to perfection and crowned with vendace roe.
Alternatively, indulge in the Toast Astoria, a tribute to the traditional Swedish Toast Skagen, where bountiful heaps of Baltic prawns and Norwegian king crab are elegantly dressed with wasabi aioli, all served atop a bed of crisp sourdough.
If you like a good show, order the Black Angus or Wagyu, and watch it get flambéed in front of you. So tender and juicy, the beef is served with the most amazing roasted potatoes I’ve ever eaten.
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For dessert, I recommend The Waffles Ice Cream — made famous at Zén — that features an addictive pistachio waffle with a side of oolong ice cremé. To complement your culinary journey, take your pick from a trolley full of petit fours, and explore the exceptional wine selection and innovative cocktail menu.
Uniting Nordic influences with captivating Asian twists, Brasserie Astoria is definitely worth a visit if you can round up a group of friends who can match the high-energy dinner atmosphere. Alternatively, I suggest an afternoon soirée where you can enjoy a quieter lunch or midday aperitif, and slowly take in the grandeur of the venue.
